A Mind Spread Out On The Ground by Alicia Elliott

If you’re looking for some Indigenous non-fiction for yourself or your classes, A Mind Spread Out On The Ground may be a title to check out.

A Mind Spread Out on the Ground is award-winning Haudenosaunee writer Alicia Elliott’s debut essay collection that holds back nothing as she shares her thoughts on the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada.

These essays are thoughtful, controversial, and absolutely necessary. Part-memoir, part historical exploration, Alicia Elliott opens up about her own trauma and abuse while simultaneously examining the systematic roots of oppression Indigenous people in Canada faced throughout history and continue to face today.

“We know our cultures have meaning and worth, that that culture lives and breathes inside our languages. Canada knew that, too. Which is why they fought so hard to make us forget them.”

She tackles the issues of mental health, abuse, language, culture, residential schools, racism, colonialism, poverty, belonging, cultural appropriation, and body image. Additionally, she calls out Canadian political parties (both past and present) for what they have and haven’t done to help mend these relationships, so healing in these communities can begin.

“No one should have to feel thankful that their child isn’t dark-skinned.”

While these essays examine how racism continues to be fed in Canadian society today, Alicia Elliot offers hope for us to be thoughtful about our own voices and choices moving forward. If you’re interested in learning more about a modern perspective on Indigenous relations and history, I highly recommend this coming of age collection by a wonderful writer. It’s available now from your favourite bookseller.

xo

Jenn

Disclaimer – I received a complementary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.